Text messages in the Central African Republic (CAR) are currently being blocked, the Ministere des Postes et des Telecommunications (MPT) has confirmed, according to Reuters. It is understood that local authorities have told cellcos to suspend text messages following a nationwide campaign in which an organisation called Collectif Centrafrique Debout has reportedly been distributing SMS messages calling on people to stay at home this week following more violence in the capital Bangui. With such messages now said to be considered a security threat, communications minister Abdallah Assan Kadre said in a statement: ‘On the instruction of the Prime Minister…in order to contribute to the restoration of security in the country, the use of SMS by all mobile phone subscribers is suspended.’ The suspension of SMS services is said to be in effect until further notice.